IA here

[countrygirl5]

I have 3 hens with large combs, and due to the extreme, early cold weather, they all three got frost bite.

Is that really bad for a chicken?

 

[mrandmrschicken]

I don't have much more space so I can only get about two more hens...Unless I want to make a new coop! ...And that's far too tempting!

I'd love to attend a show or two either way, they look like a lot of fun.

There were 3 nice Salmon Fav LF pullets there for sale.

 

[Cooper Farms]

I have found that putting petro jelly on them helps with the frost bite

 

[mrandmrschicken]

I have 3 hens with large combs, and due to the extreme, early cold weather, they all three got frost bite.

Is that really bad for a chicken?

The damaged areas will fall off and there is a chance for gangrene. Keep an eye on them. I think the damaged areas will turn black.

 

[grassfedchicken]

Watch out for frostbite, it is usually caused by a draft where they're sleeping...


for what its worth- I am in Iowa on the south central border

 

[Corgihome]

Just posting so I can keep up with information in Iowa. I'm new to chickens, this is our first winter with chickens in calhoun county, wouldn't you know it would be a colder than normal winter.

 

[Gryphon]

And wouldn't you know that during the coldest week so far is when my Light Brahma decides that it's a good time to start laying?! First one froze, and I was lucky enough to be home this weekend to nab the other two in time. Hope this cold snap buggers off!

 

[Cooper Farms]

Woke up at 3am it' -18 now at 5:30am. I won't have a non froze egg in the bunch

 

[karimw]

Stay safe everyone!

 

[countrygirl5]

And wouldn't you know that during the coldest week so far is when my Light Brahma decides that it's a good time to start laying?! First one froze, and I was lucky enough to be home this weekend to nab the other two in time. Hope this cold snap buggers off!

I know! My hens quit laying in November, and I just got a few to start laying again this week. Yesterday, I got 4 eggs! Coldest day of the year and I get the most eggs I've had in 2 months. Crazy birds. And of course two of the 4 were frozen.

Ah well, at least we only lost one baby, but I know it wasn't due to the cold, I think she got trampled for the water bowl.